WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama offers the latest on the debt and deficit negotiations at a town hall meeting at the University of Maryland Friday morning,
Then his attention shifts overseas as New Zealand’s prime minister, John Key, pays a visit. The White House says the two leaders will discuss stability and growth in the Asia Pacific region as well as Afghanistan and the famine in East Africa. They’re expected to speak to reporters afterward.
The president meets with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and the chairman of the Joints Chiefs, Adm. Mike Mullen, afterward. Defense officials say the Pentagon chief has decided to end the ban on gays serving openly in military and an announcement is expected Friday.
Obama later meets with the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry.